cielbear's review
5.0
I loved it. Lin-Manuel and Quiara put together a wonderful show that did well. The script and lyrics were crafted beautifully. I can only hope to see this done somewhere with a proper casting to honor what these creators had in mind.
mountsleepyhead's review
3.0
It'll be interesting how history remembers In the Heights and whether or not it will be forever seen as a tune-up for Hamilton. Fortunately it stands on its own just fine. The story is a little bit rote, but compensates by taking us to a place you never really see in mainstream entertainment and telling the stories of the people who live there. The energy practically leaps of the page, and pairing this with the cast recording is the only way to go. I mean, outside of actually seeing a performance, but when you're landlocked you take what you can get.
suthsoph's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
bowienerd_82's review
4.0
I love the music, but it was nice to see it all in book form, along with the dialogue that doesn't show up on the OBC album.
I have to say though- as a book this is nothing when compared to the Hamiltome. It's a small paperback with just a tiny collection of photos in the middle, and other than a brief intro, it doesn't have any extras. No story of the show and how it came to be, no footnotes, no anecdotes. It's pretty bare bones.
But that is not a reflection at all upon the story or the music- just that the book itself is small and plain.
I have to say though- as a book this is nothing when compared to the Hamiltome. It's a small paperback with just a tiny collection of photos in the middle, and other than a brief intro, it doesn't have any extras. No story of the show and how it came to be, no footnotes, no anecdotes. It's pretty bare bones.
But that is not a reflection at all upon the story or the music- just that the book itself is small and plain.
sailboat101's review
Lin-Manuel Miranda - this man! How does he always manage to write beautiful lyrics that end up with me sobbing?
molliebrarian's review
5.0
I've heard the show many times, but I decided to read the libretto to connect the dots between the songs. This definitely filled out the show for me. I love this musical so much. There's so much heart and energy in this show.
hobbitony's review
4.0
Reading this one for my English Teaching Methods course. This semester I'll be collaborating with a High School English class in Pilsen. At first I was perplexed - why this? After finishing it, it all made much more sense.
To be honest when I saw this on the syllabus, I was stoked. I've heard about this getting made into a live action musical film and getting an excuse to read the play was neat. This story is about Usnavi, a fun likable character who runs the family bodega. As the play continues questions of identity, the future and other various factors come into play. I really liked this play a bit more in terms of the general story. Don't get me wrong - I loved the music from Hamilton. (I still occasionally think of a song and hum it in my head randomly) This story feels alot more real. A lot more grounded in reality. Yes I know someone literally wins the lottery but it's the characters that do the story justice for me.
Hearing odes of culture and the ambiance that Miranda has put together made this play fly by. I look forward to the film and eagerly wait it's release.
To be honest when I saw this on the syllabus, I was stoked. I've heard about this getting made into a live action musical film and getting an excuse to read the play was neat. This story is about Usnavi, a fun likable character who runs the family bodega. As the play continues questions of identity, the future and other various factors come into play. I really liked this play a bit more in terms of the general story. Don't get me wrong - I loved the music from Hamilton. (I still occasionally think of a song and hum it in my head randomly) This story feels alot more real. A lot more grounded in reality. Yes I know someone literally wins the lottery but it's the characters that do the story justice for me.
Hearing odes of culture and the ambiance that Miranda has put together made this play fly by. I look forward to the film and eagerly wait it's release.
tashadhyani's review
4.0
Reading this while listening to its soundtrack album is the closest thing I get to watching this wonderful musical. The play takes place in Hispanic-American neighborhood in Washington Heights, centering on the people's struggle to make ends meet. Amazing how I can learn so much about their custom and culture through the songs. I find the ending quite sad, though I have to admit it is the most selfless, Usnavian thing Usnavi would do.